The Supreme Court today (3) commenced hearing 14 petitions challenging the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament by the Government.

The petitions are being heard by a three-member bench comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Mahinda Samayawardhena and Sampath Wijeratne.

The petitioners, including former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, contend that certain provisions of the Bill violate fundamental rights, including the sovereignty of the people.

They also claim the proposed legislation would curtail the public’s right to information and have requested the Court to determine that it requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament and approval at a referendum.